Jack started off doing odd jobs with his uncle. This made him realise that the construction industry and specifically joinery, was something he really enjoyed and could make decent money doing.

He started doing joinery full-time at college. However, when this apprenticeship came up, his teachers recommended that he apply as they had seen that he was standing out in his classes.

He has been with Kier and Wates as part of his apprenticeship and has worked with other companies and subcontractors throughout.

Project name

Jack works at Wates Living Space – a programme of work designed to make aids and adjustments to people who need better access to their homes - frequently supporting disabled people and the elderly.

Brief description of duties:

Jack starts off at the site office every day and finds out where abouts in the city he needs to go and what jobs he will be doing.

Door widening

New bathrooms

Lowering kitchen cabinets

Vinyl flooring …and more

What difference has doing the apprenticeship made to your life?

Jack feels that doing this Aids and Adjustments work has made him more patient around people and made him empathise a bit more.

“It makes you realise how much of a difference you can make in someone’s life, even with a little thing you do.”

Jack has also won G4C’s Trade Apprentice of the Year in 2017 and EN:Able Futures Trade Apprentice of the Year in 2018. These show his professionalism and commitment and will hopefully look great to future employers.

What are your aims for your future career?

Jack would like to stay on with Wates or work with family. He would prefer to one day start on his own business and his Dad has said he would work for him. He would like to go back on to new builds and try to earn as much money as he can while he’s young.

Jack’s supervisor Gary Wood said “Jack has fitted in really well as part of the Aids and Adapts having to learn new skills quickly. He has a very positive attitude towards the work and always gives 100%. I would imagine that if he continues to perform he will become an integral part of the team.”